Tom Izzo and the 5 Most Likable Coaches in College Basketball

By James Szuba

Tom Izzo and the 5 Most Likable Coaches in College Hoops

Tom Izzo — Tom Izzo is the coach everyone is ranting and raving about thanks to Michigan State’s run to the Final Four -- and rightfully so. Izzo averages 2.6 wins per every NCAA tournament. While he’s taken seven teams to the Final Four, Izzo has also been successful by winning over the hearts of players and fans.

5. Mike Brey, Notre Dame

Mike Brey

5. Mike Brey, Notre Dame

Mike Brey — Mike Brey is one of the most likable coaches in the business. Brey showed heart by not telling his players of his mother’s passing until after Notre Dame’s win against Butler in the NCAA tournament. That noble move showed selflessness, validating how likable Brey is.

4. Steve Fisher, San Diego State

Steve Fisher

4. Steve Fisher, San Diego State

Steve Fisher — Known for coaching the Fab Five at Michigan, Fisher has built programs from virtually nothing into national powerhouses. But more importantly for this list, Fisher’s players love him -- just ask Jalen Rose.

3. Shaka Smart, VCU (Perhaps Texas?)

Shaka Smart

3. Shaka Smart, VCU (Perhaps Texas?)

Shaka Smart — Is there a better players' coach than Shaka Smart? His kids love to play hard for him. It’s looking like Smart will be leaving VCU to take over the Texas program, though.

2. Billy Donovan, Florida

Billy Donovan

2. Billy Donovan, Florida

Billy Donovan — Earlier in the 2014-15 season, Billy the Kid took responsibility for his team not playing up to Florida’s usual standard. Donovan is amicable and articulate in his postgame press conferences in a way that makes you want to like him.

1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke

Coach K

1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke

Coach K — After Duke’s win over Gonzaga in the Elite Eight, Coach K took the time to mention how great of a team Gonzaga was. After last year’s first round loss to Mercer, Coach K went to the Mercer locker room to congratulate the coaches and players. Krzyzewski is the ultimate class act, making him No. 1 on the list.

James Szuba is a college basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesSzuba.

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